Democratic Erosion University Course Student Blog

Students enrolled in our course are encouraged to write for the course blog, and to read and comment on posts from students at other participating universities. The blog offers students the opportunity to analyze current events through the lens of the theory and case studies they engage with through the course.

These blogs reflect the views of the student authors, and not those of the Democratic Erosion Consortium.

First 100 Days, More Like First 100 Hours: How Trump’s First 100 Days Played Out Against Trump’s Second 100 Hours

Indiana Senator Jim Banks, a staunch Trump ally, predicted that President Trump’s return to power would be characterized by “shock and awe.” In many ways, the events of President Trump’s first 100 hours in office during his second term have lived up to that promise....

History Repeats: Why Strong Global Defense is Key to Preventing Autocracy

A strong and consistent global defense by democratic nations is crucial to preventing the rise of autocratic regimes, as history shows—from the Cold War doctrines to the failed democratization of Afghanistan—that without committed follow-through and structural reform, authoritarian forces will exploit weaknesses and reclaim power.

Women in Political Dynasties: The Illusion of Choice and Democratic Erosion in the Philippines

Political dynasties have long controlled Philippine politics, with powerful families passing down leadership positions across generations. Despite the imposition of term limits discouraging dynastic rule, these families have found their way around the constitutional...

The Battle for Public Opinion: The Risk of Pushback on the Impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte

May 18, 2025 | University of the Philippines, Diliman

2025: A Turn of Events The year 2025 started with an unexpected turn of events: the House of Representatives impeached Vice President (VP) Sara Duterte. Sara...

Forced Conscription in Eritrea: No Opportunities for the Youth of Eritrea

May 15, 2025 | James Madison University

Many countries around the world require their citizens to serve in their national forces for a certain amount of time. The country of Eritrea also requires national service,...

The Myth of a Strong Leader—When Fear Drives Philippines’ Democracy Down

May 5, 2025 | University of the Philippines, Diliman

“I would stop drugs, crime, and criminality in three to six months” -Rodrigo Duterte in his 2016 Presidential Campaign The Philippines has long grappled with maintaining order and stability, often...

The Price of Press: Exposing the Fragility of Philippine Media In the 2025 Senatorial Elections

May 4, 2025 | University of the Philippines, Diliman

Lights, Camera, Action—A line that we usually hear in show business and filmmaking. In this industry, actors desperately compete to get their much-desired “screen time,” show their potential, and...

There’s no Greater Riches than (Extended Political) Families: Filipinos’ Pakikisama and the Perpetuation of Political Dynasties in the Philippines

May 3, 2025 | University of the Philippines, Diliman

Filipinos place utmost importance on their families, the foundation of our nation. Because of this, it is no surprise that the family finds its place in all levels of the country’s social and...

The Guest List of Autocracy: Why Authoritarian Leaders Line Up for a Piece of Russia’s History

May 2, 2025 | Tartu University

In recent years, each 9th of May, Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport welcomes very specific types of guests. Not tourists—but presidents, prime ministers and other notable guests from across the...

When Democracy Erodes, LGBTQ+ Rights Are the First to Suffer

May 1, 2025 | Tulane University

When democratic norms break down, the most vulnerable communities suffer first, and most deeply. In the United States, recent political shifts have exposed just how fragile civil rights can become...

The Ruling Family: How Political Dynasties Are Destroying Democracy in the Philippines

May 1, 2025 | University of the Philippines, Diliman

Same names, same problems. In every Philippine election, the same names dominate the ballots—Marcos, Duterte, Tolentino, Tulfo, Cayetano, Villar, and Revilla. Over 70% of incumbent officials come...

Politics and Populism Brazil: Increasing Polarization

May 1, 2025 | Featured, University of Memphis

Populism has played an important role in the shaping of Brazilian politics over the past century. An approach that pits "the people" against "the elite," populism thrives under conditions of...

Populist or President… ?

May 1, 2025 | University of Memphis

Populist or President… ? Donald Trump is significantly taking us backward.With the growing centralization of wealth and political influence within the...

How Modi Turned Culture into a Political Weapon

Apr 30, 2025 | Tulane University

Image of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking at a BJP rally. The lotus symbol, central to the BJP’s identity, is prominently displayed on the podium. I remember sitting on the couch...